Pay what you want at The Bombay Canteen Independence Day lunch

Your monies go for a good cause so don’t be a Scrooge

For the last three years, the good guys at The Bombay Canteen have been helping us celebrate Independence Day on August 15, with a pay-what-you-want lunch. It’s probably the only time we’ve gone back with lighter wallets but happier hearts because the monies go for a good cause. For their fourth Independence Day Daawat, they have tied up with Miracle Foundation India, a non-profit organisation that brings life-changing care to children without homes. Reason enough to pencil in a cheat day?

What’s on the menu?

For this year, Thomas Zacharias has put together a meal of regional delicacies served on a banana leaf in their Dawaat-staple community-style dining experience. What makes it even more special is that the recipes have been sourced from the homes and kitchens of their devoted cheerleaders. So while the Junglee Kheema is what fashion designers Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla swear by, legendary chef Manish Mehrotra has sent in a family recipe of Sattu Kachori. Stand-up comedian Rohan Joshi’s Gujarati roots will shine through in the Vatana Muthia Shaak while industrialist Harsh Goenka offered a Rajasthani recipe of Shahi Khichdi from his home kitchen, and KWAN Entertainment’s Anirban Blah shared the recipe for what he thinks is the best pork dish in the world: the Khasi Black Sesame Chicken. We’re not done yet. There’s also Goan Kokum Dal, Bombay Maska Pav, UP-inspired Aam Panna, Lonavala Chocolate Fudge with Peanut Chikki, and Tri Colour Barfi.

How will my gluttony make the world a better place?

The kiddos at the Miracle Foundation have shared their wishlist with The Bombay Canteen guys. Through your lunch, these little ones will get world maps, globes, bicycles, science kits, sports equipment, nutritional meals and clothes. Last year, they raised a whopping ₹7.3 lakh, thanks to 540 guests and long-distance supporters. If you can’t make it/are on a Keto plan, but would still like to help out, you can contribute here. The last time we checked, they had already raised ₹5.3 lakh. Be the good guy you know you are and help them reach their goal of ₹10 lakh.